 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Chinatown
- Review Date: October 19, 2005
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 1974
Common Sense Media says
Great hardboiled detective film. Not for kids.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film focuses on corruption within the government. The film presents many instances of mild violence (fistfights, gunplay, murdered bodies, etc.) and a more disturbingly violent onscreen killing of a major character. Parents should note that characters with whom viewers place emotional investment meet extremely unfortunate demises. The film also includes some sexually suggestive materials (post-coitus conversation, dirty jokes, implications of incest, etc.).
What's the story?
Ex-cop Jack Giddes (Jack Nicholson), carries on a lucrative detective business -- at least until a woman seeks information about her philandering husband. In his attempt to prove the husband's affair, Jack finds himself entangled in a deadly game with the Los Angeles police department, the local government, and a beautiful femme fatale (Faye Dunaway). Someone is siphoning water from the local supply, much to the dismay of the local farmers. Ultimately, Jack must uncover the trail of corruption and deceit to save his own hide (and nose).
Is it any good?
Roman Polanski's CHINATOWN is a visually lavish trip back into the hardboiled detective genre. The gorgeous costumes and harsh lighting help to capture the seediness lurking behind legitimate society in 1930s Los Angeles. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences recognized the film with Oscar nominations in major performance, design, and technical categories. Robert Towne (Shampoo, Mission: Impossible) ultimately brought home the Academy Award for his original screenplay. (The writing process had been a contentious one, as Towne had originally planned for a happy ending.) The film was intended to be the first of a trilogy, about the water company, gas company, and a freeway project respectively. Ultimately, only one sequel (The Two Jakes) found its way into production; Nicholson would go on to direct and star in that film.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether a grey area exists between right and wrong (the violent police, the crooked government, and the antihero detective). Did Evelyn Mulwray's abusive relationship with her father excuse her actions at the end of the film? How does Jake break his cardinal rule in his dealings with Evelyn, and how does that comment on his character? This film also lends itself to discussions about cinematic style (excellent harshly shadowed lighting) and issues of genre. How does the type of storytelling present in this film compare to current trends in television detective shows such as Law and Order and C.S.I.?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Terrific Film
Nicholson is excellent in this classic, and although it's not for kids older teens may enjoy it. I certainly did.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
May 30, 2009
AGE
Contains Jack Nicholson + Roman Polanski.
Good movie. 14 year olds can watch it alone.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Excellent Film...
This is a great film for a great director and it stars one of the greatest actors of all time. I think that this film is like an 11+ the swearing is not a problem there is one F-Word...maybe 2, I saw it a year ago. But anyway, you hear worst language in a parking lot. The violence is infrequent but quite graphic, the climax shows a very realistic shooting victem (missing an eye, and covered in fresh blood) which is only made so much more disturbing by the character's child's tramatized (and maybe tramatizing) screams at their parent dead body, I don't belive in cencorship but I would say if you or you're child has lost a parent you might want to avoid the movie, the great perfomances make it all much more scary. The sexual themes are not a problem, a quick veiw of a breast and implied sex. The film may not be good for a few sensitive kids or teens but it such a good film, that any aspiring film maker should see it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
5 stars, but off for kids
Even down to Roman Polanski's cameo as the "midget", the acting in this movie is great, Jack Nicholsen is great, especially because the role was just perfect for him. The film has smart dialogue, and a some-what hard to follow plot. The classic line "Forget it Jake, It's Chinatown" can fuel discussion in itself. This is most likely not a film that kids will be interested in, which is probably a good thing because there are plenty of scenes that make this a no-no for kids. And while it is probably appropriate for younger teens, it is best suited for older teens, because they will probably appreciate and understand it more then young teens.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Roman Polanski |
| Cast: | Faye Dunaway, Jack Nicholson, John Huston |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 131 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1974 |
| DVD release date: | November 23, 1999 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | adult language, brief nudity, and violence. |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
